LIVEAnimals -< Build Thread >-

[LiveAnimals]

It was pretty abused, the bottom was almost stripped from the years and was rusty, I used aircraft stripper and a grinder with a wire wheel.

[LiveAnimals]

So I took just over 1/2 a coil out of the front springs and there is practically no difference, kind of frustrated because 2 of the A-arm u-bolts were HAGGED and would not return to their home, so I had to hunt 2 down. Luckily the pick n pull by the house is awsome. Got it back together and to my attention the front went down about 1/4-3/8 of an inch. I guess I will try again.

[cochino12]

Originally Posted by LiveAnimals

So I took just over 1/2 a coil out of the front springs and there is practically no difference, kind of frustrated because 2 of the A-arm u-bolts were HAGGED and would not return to their home, so I had to hunt 2 down. Luckily the pick n pull by the house is awsome. Got it back together and to my attention the front went down about 1/4-3/8 of an inch. I guess I will try again.

maybe the spring needs to settle a little after being out? That sucks, I'm about to pull my coils and try to get about 1" additional drop too

[texastruckjunky]

Your truck looks good. I got to say put the trim back on 73-80 just look right with the trim. looks good and nice starting point

[menace121978]

hey man, i have a set of stock coils w/ 1 coil cut (hacksaw) dropped mine about 2". there sitting on the side of the house if you want them. you can come over and see the truck too. Dennis

[LiveAnimals]

So, many of ya'll have probably seen the new addition to the family, for those who havent here ya go. Oh yeah this is where the 77 build stops and the 73 begins.

Specs
1973 GMC 2WD SWB
Factory 454 bbc
th350 B&M Shift Kit + B&M shift (that I hate w/a passion)
12 bolt w/tru trac 3.73 posi
DJM Springs in the front
Beltech shackles and hangers in the rear
Summit clear rear end cover
LT headers
X-pipe w/cut-outs
FlowMaster super 44s to 4" dumps
Edelbrock Performer cam and manifold
Holley 650
Roller Rockers
Painless Wiring

Plans
Rust Repair
th400 - in the distant future
probably go back to factory GMC front end
remove most of the chrome from the engine bay
go back to a column shift
bench seat (in the works)

[lnwlfbsktbll]

first off, beautiful trucks. i have an '87 that was lowered when i bought it and i think its a 2/4 (spindles, shackles & hangers) i've been considering taking it down some more but im a little bit uneasy about the ride quality going to crap if i do. LiveAnimals if i had to guess the reason you aren't getting as much drop up front compared to other people by cutting coils is i believe the bbc equipped 1/2 tons had 3/4 ton springs (or similar spring rate) so you wont get as much because they dont compress as much and cutting coils increases spring rate so the more you cut the stiffer the spring gets. also you said you eventually want a th400 and i happen to have on that im pulling out of my truck because im swapping motor/tranny to an LQ9/6L80E. i know its kinda far a way but lemme know if you are interested i'll sell it fairly cheap... sorry for the long post, lemme know how these trucks ride that low i dont wanna bottom anything out

[LiveAnimals]

Originally Posted by lnwlfbsktbll

first off, beautiful trucks. i have an '87 that was lowered when i bought it and i think its a 2/4 (spindles, shackles & hangers) i've been considering taking it down some more but im a little bit uneasy about the ride quality going to crap if i do. LiveAnimals if i had to guess the reason you aren't getting as much drop up front compared to other people by cutting coils is i believe the bbc equipped 1/2 tons had 3/4 ton springs (or similar spring rate) so you wont get as much because they dont compress as much and cutting coils increases spring rate so the more you cut the stiffer the spring gets. also you said you eventually want a th400 and i happen to have on that im pulling out of my truck because im swapping motor/tranny to an LQ9/6L80E. i know its kinda far a way but lemme know if you are interested i'll sell it fairly cheap... sorry for the long post, lemme know how these trucks ride that low i dont wanna bottom anything out

Thanks lnwlfbsktbll for the posting, the cut spring problem wasn't on my BBC truck it was on my SBC yellow scotts. The yellow truck is a very healthy truck, and the scotts came with "HD suspension, as the window sticker said in 77". I just think they are in good shape thats why they didnt drop so far. The yellow truck with a 3/5 drop (spindles and a flip) rides ok, I didnt do a C-notch in the rear so its a little rough on bumps. My 73 (charcoal one) has 3/4 (springs/shackles and hangers) it rides alot better than the 77, IMO. I will let you know about your trans, Thanks.

[lnwlfbsktbll]

Originally Posted by LiveAnimals

Thanks lnwlfbsktbll for the posting, the cut spring problem wasn't on my BBC truck it was on my SBC yellow scotts. The yellow truck is a very healthy truck, and the scotts came with "HD suspension, as the window sticker said in 77". I just think they are in good shape thats why they didnt drop so far. The yellow truck with a 3/5 drop (spindles and a flip) rides ok, I didnt do a C-notch in the rear so its a little rough on bumps. My 73 (charcoal one) has 3/4 (springs/shackles and hangers) it rides alot better than the 77, IMO. I will let you know about your trans, Thanks.

oh ok thanks, like i said good looking trucks

[BONZEYE]

I love the look of those original Wheels

[LiveAnimals]

Ol Gray is in and getting rust treatment. No lookin back now. I've gathered everything I need to convert back to column shift, bad part is I have to tear the column all the way down to replace the portion where the shift lever is pinned. More pics of the repair to come.

[menace121978]

she looks sweet tucked in there! cant wait to see the work start

[STOCKISH]

Awesome looking trucks. Cant wait to see the progress.

[Driveway Dreams]

I have always loved your gray truck. Glad to hear you are taking good care of it. Should be awesome(er). I made that up.

[Chevy623]

[QUOTE=LiveAnimals;3459842]So, many of ya'll have probably seen the new addition to the family, for those who havent here ya go. Oh yeah this is where the 77 build stops and the 73 begins.




got any pics of that white one?

[LiveAnimals]

[quote=Chevy623;3862984]

Originally Posted by LiveAnimals

So, many of ya'll have probably seen the new addition to the family, for those who havent here ya go. Oh yeah this is where the 77 build stops and the 73 begins.




got any pics of that white one?

I sure do, that was my old R10. Sold it to a buddy and since then its only gone down hill. I shoulda just kept it. Anyways here's what it looked like when I had.


When he took it over he added 20s

[LiveAnimals]

Originally Posted by menace121978

she looks sweet tucked in there! cant wait to see the work start

One of these days you otta come by and check it out Dennis.

Originally Posted by 1972SuperCheyenne

Awesome looking trucks. Cant wait to see the progress.

Patch work starts tonight after work, so I'll get some pics up right away.

Originally Posted by Driveway Dreams

I have always loved your gray truck. Glad to hear you are taking good care of it. Should be awesome(er). I made that up.

Thanks Gerald, I can say the same about yours.

[Chevy623]

Thanks for the pics! That is a good looking truck. i also like your other two as well.

[LiveAnimals]

Status Report, floor pan cut out new one tacked in place

[menace121978]

Damn bro, nice job!!! i need to quit procrastinating and get busy on minei love the action shot!

[Driveway Dreams]

Good job! Floor pan looks to have fit well, ya? Oh, I still really like those old school wheels from the white truck. I wonder how they would look on my truck...oh wait, nevermind. Keep at it man! Maybe you can have it back out on the road before Dennis.

[LiveAnimals]

If you cant buy it you must make it. You remember this piece Dennis.

[menace121978]

damn that turned out nice man! i'm glad to see your making progress buddy. looking good!

[54Caddy]

Looking good man. No more work on the yellow one??

[LiveAnimals]

Ol Yeller is gone as of last week